Courtesy freedigitalphotos.net
Buying a slightly used car can already save you money in comparison to the brand new model. You’ll save significantly in sticker price and depreciation costs, potentially with very few miles on the clock. Yet to make sure you’re getting the best deal on a used car, you’ll want to keep the following tips in mind.
Do your Research
Whether you’re looking at new or used cars, the best first step is to research your options. You’ll want to decide which make, model, and year of car would work the best for your needs. If you’re looking for a family car, you may have different features in mind than you would if you were searching for a commuter car. In addition to shopping around for cars, you should also start looking at financing options. Purchasing a used car in cash is the ideal situation, but you can also pre-qualify for a loan from your bank or credit union before you start shopping. Look for the rates and terms that will be most beneficial, as there are many lending products on the market.
Shop Around for Insurance Quotes
Car insurance is another major expense to consider. Insurance quotes can vary quite drastically between providers, which is why you should never accept the first quote you receive. There are plenty of price comparison websites to help you look at your options in a logical format, such as TheZebra.com,confused.com or moneysupermarket.com. Look at several of these to get a feel for what your options are.
Read the Vehicle History Report
Once you have a specific range of cars in mind, you can then start looking at them individually. If a particular car strikes your fancy and fits your budget, be sure to look at its vehicle history. You can ask for the Vehicle Identification Number and then run it through www.vehiclehistory.gov or similar sites. There are numerous databases out there that will give you a full report, some costing more than others.
Check for Safety Recalls
It doesn’t hurt to find out if there have been any safety recalls on the make and model you’re interested in. Most manufacturers will post this recall information on their websites. If you see that recall repairs are required for the make and model you’re interested in, ask the seller for proof that these repairs have been carried out.
Get a Mechanic’s Opinion
When you take the used car for a test drive, always look at the small details and don’t forget to take notes of any damage you see. Some factors to pay attention to could include uneven tyres, signs of flood damage, or any strange noises coming from the engine. Unless you’re a seasoned auto professional, you’ll still want to have the car looked at by a reliable mechanic before you agree to any sale.
Don’t Be Afraid of Negotiation
It’s a good idea to wait for your mechanic’s assessment before you start negotiation, because you may uncover problems that could lead to a lower price. Ask your mechanic for an assessment of what he or she thinks the car is worth, and compare this to the average prices on car listings sites. For example, if you think you’ve found a great deal on a Holden Commodore, you’d want to compare it with similar Holden listings ar Carsales or similar sites. Go into negotiation with a maximum price in mind, but try offering a lower price to begin with and work your way up to that.
This post was featured on the Think Rich Be Free, thank you!
Great tips! This will definitely come in handy for me. Thank you so much.
When I was shopping for my new (used) car, I got a pretty good deal. I did a LOT of online comparison shopping before I found “the one”. My car is great, now, and it has never given me any problems.
After my guest post here you know how I feel about buying used cars. Research the cars – don’t just go for cheap. Go for cars that have built a following. They tend to hold their value.
The reason that I am not fan of used car is that, I am not sure the history. There is no such thing a history database of used car in my place.
However, if there is a reliable database and record base history, I will go for it. At least i can own my dream car with less rate. Yes, I have a mechanic friend. I will let him check the engine and the underneath of the car as well.
A mechanic “once over” is really important (especially for someone like me-who has very little knowledge of car mechanics). When we bought out new to us car we took it to the dealer for a full check up before we made an offer to the private seller.
I found a great used Corolla that had been involved in two low-speed accidents. I ended up getting it for $2,200 under the Kelley Blue book. I followed a lot of your suggestions here – negotiating really is important when it comes to large purchases like this.
Used car are also good to buy but make sure that they are very less used and don’t need any repair
That’s right. Totally agree with you Henry!
I was planning to buy a used car for myself & really i think these things will help me a lot to get a dream car for me. Really you have made a great effort for this post and i would like to thank you for this.
Thank you Henry!
Great article and money saving tips you have shared but if anyone is planning to buy a used car then make sure that all of its part is in well condition and they don’t need any replacement. but anyways thanks for sharing .
Buying used car will be quite difficult for any person, if don’t have some tips. These are nice tips. Get a mechanic’s opinion in used car buying will help to make benficial deal.
These are good tips for people who are looking to have a good used car buying deal or right investment. Car expert advice will be a great option for the right used car buying deal.
A good and helpful blog for all new and old var buyers it really have good instructions and tips to make a good deal . As my thinking now the trend of buying used car is more than new one .
Great tips, highly agree about negotiating with the price, if you know the real value of the car your buying and check if the car has any issues, it certainly helps getting the price you want for the car.
Doing your research before you go onto the car lot is so important. There is so much information out there today on every car, their value and problems. Great advice!
Amazing tips, I want to buy the used car so your tips very helpful for me. Thank you for shear a great tip.
My little brother is going to need a car for his new job. He used to ride his bike everywhere but his new job will require a lot of driving. I like your tip about making sure to research specific make and models that will best suit your needs. Finding a good used car dealership might be able to help him find the right type of vehicle for his commute. I know he’s looking for something that has good gas mileage.
Excellent post. I would prefer buying a new car. I understand it will cost me more, but I suspect I will be stress free regarding its overall performance. These are some good tips to keep in mind before buying a second hand car. But I will still prefer going to a brand new car for me.
That is truly decent to listen. much obliged to you for the redesign and good fortunes.
Doing your research before you go onto the car lot is so important. There is so much information out there today on every car, their value and problems. zuma free games
Useful info. Lucky me I found your web site by chance, and I’m stunned why this twist of fate didn’t took place earlier! I bookmarked it.
What word used for used car buying tips!
You’re pointed as Research, Insurance, Vehicle History, Safety Recalls are essential.
Thank You Pauline 🙂
Hopefully, your readers liked ourRemote Car Starter Blog 😉
Hi, I was planning to buy a used car for myself & really I think these things will help me a lot to get a dream car for me. Thanks for the sharing such an informative article.
Your post is very great. Hope you’ll be successful in your life!
how to get game center app
Great tips. This article gives good information. Thanks for sharing this information.You can check my site.
Useful articles. Thank you very much first mario game
online bike racing games I love your blog..
truck driving game download Thank you a lot for giving everyone an extremely special opportunity to check tips from this blog. It’s always so superb and jam-packed with fun for me and my office acquaintances to search the blog nearly 3 times a week to study the newest secrets you have
I really want to purchase my first car this year. I don’t have a huge budget so it will need to be a used car. So, I liked what you said about how it would be smart to research the type of car I should get and what will get me a good deal.
Buying using car is always a challenge for anyone.
These are very useful tips which can help all of to proceed further.
Besides its better to set the budget & decide how much you can spend on a car and how you’re going to pay for it. Choose the right car & Check reliability and ownership costs, then locate good used cars, price the cars, check the vehicle history report. Later on contact the seller & try for a test drive if there is any chance or try to find out the inspection sheet to get the current news of the car.
Toyota Hilux for sale
thanks for drop here your ideas its too much helpful for me and my friends also.i really like it.good article
Great tips! I like the one about negotiating over email. I hate negotiating, but this could make it less of a pain. When my wife and I bought our cars (7 and 8 years ago) we got pricing from AAA. You can enter the make and model that you want and it will list the dealerships within a certain mile range and their best price for it. We printed it, took it to a local dealership (the best prices we got from the AAA search were about 50 miles away and out of state) and asked if they participated in the program. They said they weren’t in the AAA program but they would beat the best prices we found. Basically no negotiating and it knocked a few thousand dollars off the price.
It’s has nice a drive and comfortable car but to my experience, compare to the price and durability it breaks down quicker. I have found german and japanese cars more reliable
Finding a great second-hand vehicle shouldn’t be a matter of good luck or even divine intervention.
This is a very nice article. Having your own the best floor jacks will surely help.
You really pointed out the essential things that one must remember before and after driving. Thank you for sharing this, looking forward to your next post!
Many of us have no enough money/budget to buy a new car. for them use or second hand car is perfect. so this article will help them how to choose and save money when they buy the used car. thanks for share a great informative piece.
Hey!! Thank you so much for sharing this post.
Buying a new car is a major investment. It’s advisable not to rush it and do some research before visiting a dealership. If you’re not sure where to start, talk to an expert.
wow, I can now go ahead to buy used cars. thanks to this article and I am also looking forward to see more about your site.
very informative knowledge is sharing in altogether.i think if someone looking for buying a old or new car he/she must read this full article.every inspection is so much knowledgable.there is lot of things need to learn day by day .and as much i read this article i have gather enough information.thanks for the aurhor
I liked the tip to get a mechanic to look at a used car before buying it. There are a lot of factors that I don’t know to look for, and their eye would be better than mine at determining real damage or just cosmetic. These were great tips for buying a used car!
Great guide! It is always good to know these things before selling a car, I’ve never thought of this when we got our first car sold. Anyway, this is very helpful. I’m saving this for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Its Has polite a ambition and comfortable car but to my experience ,compare to the price and durability it breaks down quicker .I have found German and Japaneses cars more reliable .Thank you so much .
Your post just came in time!!! I am planning on purchasing a used car, but I am too afraid to pursue it because I might not get my money’s worth. 🙁 Good thing I came across this post! Thank you for sharing this, will definitely do these tips!